Antenatal parameters to predict mortality and major morbidity in very low birth weight preterm neonates

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine effect of maternal factors and abnormal antenatal color Doppler of umbilical artery on mortality and major morbidity in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, of a teaching institution of central India. All consecutive intramural live-born preterm neonates, delivered with BW of 1000–<1500 g, were included in the study. All preterm neonates received standardized neonatal care as per the unit protocol. A total of 400 intramural live-born VLBW, preterm neonates (diagnosed as per WHO criteria) were included in the study; out of which, 103 had absent or reversed end-diastolic blood flow and 117 had forward enddiastolic blood flow and in the remaining 180 babies, color Doppler could not be done. All the VLBW neonates were followed up till the time of discharge or death. The mortality and major morbidity (one or more of the following: intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) during hospital stay were assessed in all the babies. Results: A total of 400 preterm neonates were enrolled in study, out of which, 109 died (27.25%). The causes of neonatal mortality included septicemia (44.9%), birth asphyxia (18.34%), hyaline membrane disease (30.6%), pulmonary hemorrhage (11.34%), prematurity (10.09%), aspirationpneumonia (8.25%), IVH (1.83%), and NEC (1.83%). Abnormal antenatal Doppler 15.1 (8.7–25.5) (p=0.0001) was an important factor for the major morbidities. Among maternal risk factors, premature rupture of membrane (p=0.015), meconium-stained liquor (p=0.01), fetal distress (p=0.001), and the absence of antenatal steroid (p=0.0001) significantly predict the mortality. Conclusion: Among maternal factors, premature rupture of membrane, meconium-stained liquor, and abnormal antenatal color Doppler are the important predictors of early mortality and major morbidities such as respiratory distress syndrome, IVH, NEC in VLBW neonate

Specialization, Integration, and Multi-sourcing: A study of Large IT Outsourcing Projects

IT outsourcing has three broad forms: (i) Single-Sourcing, where the client outsources to one primary vendor, (ii) Single-Sourcing with subcontracting , where the primary vendor involves other/secondary vendors in the project, and (iii) Multi-Sourcing, where the client outsources to multiple primary vendors. Using a dataset of large IT outsourcing contracts from the SCD database with 22,031 large IT outsourcing contracts from 1989-2009 we examine the antecedents of choice with respect to the form of outsourcing arrangements that firms have. Our results indicate that higher value projects are more likely to be single-sourced with subcontracting; however, a highly modularized project is more likely to be multi-sourced. Further, client and vendor experience dictate whether multi-sourcing or single-sourcing is chosen due to tradeoffs involved in benefits from specialization in one case versus the cost of coordination in the other. Finally, as the IT outsourcing industry matures, single-sourcing with subcontracting and multi-sourcing increase

ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIBIOFILM ACTIVITIES OF TRANS-CINNAMALDEHYDE NANOEMULSION AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI

Objective: Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) has shown antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms, but its direct use has some disadvantages such as skin irritation, low bioavailability, and low solubility. The objective of the present work was to develop the oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs) of TC to enhance its antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. Methods: The NEs of TC were prepared using triton x-100 and isopropyl alcohol as surfactant and cosurfactant. The developed NE was studied for size, zeta potential, and stability. NEs were evaluated for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against E. coli as indicator organism. NEs possible mode of action on E. coli was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Stable NEs of TC exhibited a particle size of 210 nm and were able to inhibit the growth of planktonic as well as biofilm cultures of E. coli at 67 μg/ml. The ruthenium red staining indicated the inhibition of glycoprotein layer formation in extracellular matrix after treating with NE. TC-NE exhibited substantial decrease in E. coli growth as well as its viability at its minimum inhibitory concentration as determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mode of action of cinnamaldehyde through β-galactosidase assay on E. coli ML-35p strain indicated that it altered the bacterial cell membrane permeability. SEM results showed the presence of holes on the cell wall of the E. coli in the presence of TC-NE. Conclusions: TC-NEs exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity and were effective against E. coli biofilm. They also exhibited microbicidal activity and altered E. coli membrane permeability

Comparison of feeding practices among rural and urban mothers and their effect on nutritional status of children

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional status in infants based on infant feeding practices among rural and urban areas. Methods: An observational study was carried out in the Department of Paediatrics of a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi. The present study included a total of 1000 children, of which 500 were from rural and 500 from urban background over a period of 1 year. Information on breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices was recorded. Results: In this study, we found that early initiation of breastfeeding (within 1 h after birth) was significantly more common in urban area as compared to rural(71.8% vs. 54.2%; p=0.001). Significantly higher proportion of mothers in urban population (88.0%) was frequently breastfeeding their children than rural ones 76.0% (p=0.001). Practice of night feeding was same in both the groups. Practices of giving prelacteal feeding were significantly higher in rural than in urban area (50.2% vs. 18.4%; p=0.001). Children in whom complementary feeding was introduced beyond 6 months had significantly higher occurrence of malnutrition (68.6% vs. 55.4%; p=0.004). Type of complementary feed did not affect the occurrence of malnutrition. Conclusion: Exclusively, breastfed children below 6 months of age and children where complementary feeding is introduced timely at 6 months have lower incidence of malnutrition as compared to those given top feeding before 6 months and inappropriate complementary feeding beyond 6 months of age

Single-sourcing vs. multisourcing : an empirical analysis of large information technology outsourcing arrangements

As the information technology (IT) services landscape matures, clients are increasingly adopting multisourcing arrangements that involve multiple vendors. Although a large body of information systems (IS) literature addresses issues of whether to outsource (to a single vendor), what types of contracts to use, and how to achieve optimal relational governance, little is known about the antecedents and consequents of the single versus multisourcing decision. Moreover, while conceptual and analytical models of single-sourcing versus multisourcing have been developed, there is no empirical IS research using a large-scale data set with rigorous econometric analysis that examines the antecedents and consequents of multisourcing in the IT context. This paper fills this void, using the transaction cost economic lens and a data set of 49,057 large IT outsourcing arrangements that spans multiple industries and dates back 25 years. We find that there is a curvilinear relationship between number of IT services in an IT outsourcing arrangement and the likelihood of multisourcing. This relationship increases as the number of IT services increases to up to five services and then decreases. For managers who plan to multisource IT outsourcing arrangements, this research provides guidance to minimize exchange hazards through a better understanding of the relationship between sourcing choice, client IT outsourcing capabilities, the competitiveness of the vendor landscape, and the number of IT services in an IT outsourcing arrangement. We provide empirical evidence that the choice between single-sourcing and multisourcing is material to the performance of outsourcing contracts as an incorrect sourcing choice is likely to result in negative contract outcomes

Emulsion-based coatings for preservation of meat and related products

One of the biggest challenges faced by the meat industry is maintaining the freshness of meat while extending its shelf life. Advanced packaging systems and food preservation techniques are highly beneficial in this regard. However, the energy crisis and environmental pollution demand an economically feasible and environmentally sustainable preservation method. Emulsion coatings (ECs) are highly trending in the food packaging industry. Efficiently developed coatings can preserve food, increase nutritional composition, and control antioxidants' release simultaneously. However, their construction has many challenges, especially for meat. Therefore, the following review focuses on the essential aspects of developing ECs for meat. The study begins by classifying emulsions based on composition and particle size, followed by a discussion on the physical properties, such as ingredient separation, rheology, and thermal characteristics. Furthermore, it discusses the lipid and protein oxidation and antimicrobial characteristics of ECs, which are necessary for other aspects to be relevant. Lastly, the review presents the limitations of the literature while discussing the future trends. ECs fabricated with antimicrobial/antioxidant properties present promising results in increasing the shelf life of meat while preserving its sensory aspects. In general, ECs are highly sustainable and effective packaging systems for meat industries.Tomas Bata University in Zlin, TBU: IGA/FT/2023/007; Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci: IGA_PrF_2023_024Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FT/2023/007]; Palacky University in Olomouc [IGA_PrF_2023_024

Nullor Based New Implementation of CDBA Using Current Feedback Operational Amplifier

In this paper, a methodology based on nullors and passive elements to create equivalent circuits for existing building blocks has been presented. This methodology has been used for generating the equivalent nullor circuit for Current Differencing Buffered Amplifier (CDBA) and its implementation through AD844 ICs of Current Feedback Operational Amplifier (CFOA) has been presented. The proposed circuit is further modified by replacing the equivalent nullor sections with smaller blocks. The implemented CDBA (proposed CDBA-I) has been simulated and compared with existing topologies of CDBA to represent its proper functioning using LTSPICE. The proposed CDBA configuration offers a symmetric structure for its 2 differential inputs and offers higher bandwidth. Moreover, the configuration has been modified further to achieve low noise output terminal by the use of another CFOA (proposed CDBA-II). Both of these proposed configurations have been simulated and verified experimentally

Nullor Based New Implementation of CDBA Using Current Feedback Operational Amplifier

163-167In this paper, a methodology based on nullors and passive elements to create equivalent circuits for existing building blocks has been presented. This methodology has been used for generating the equivalent nullor circuit for Current Differencing Buffered Amplifier (CDBA) and its implementation through AD844 ICs of Current Feedback Operational Amplifier (CFOA) has been presented. The proposed circuit is further modified by replacing the equivalent nullor sections with smaller blocks. The implemented CDBA (proposed CDBA-I) has been simulated and compared with existing topologies of CDBA to represent its proper functioning using LTSPICE. The proposed CDBA configuration offers a symmetric structure for its 2 differential inputs and offers higher bandwidth. Moreover, the configuration has been modified further to achieve low noise output terminal by the use of another CFOA (proposed CDBA-II). Both of these proposed configurations have been simulated and verified experimentally

Physicochemical characterisation of polysaccharide films with embedded bioactive substances

In this study, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCNa) bioactive films, crosslinked with citric acid (CA), were prepared and comprehensively examined for their suitability in various applications, focusing on food packaging. The films displayed favourable properties, including appropriate thickness, transparency, and moisture content, essential for packaging purposes. Moreover, the films exhibited excellent moisture absorption rate and barrier properties, attributed to the high concentration of CMCNa and the inclusion of a CA. These films presented no significant effect of crosslinking and bioactive components on their mechanical strength, as evidenced by tensile strength and elongation at break values. Thermal stability was demonstrated in the distinct weight loss events at different temperature ranges, with crosslinking contributing to slightly enhanced thermal performance. Furthermore, the films showed varying antioxidant activity levels, influenced by temperature and the solubility of the films in different media, indicating their potential for diverse applications. Overall, these bioactive films showed promise as versatile materials with desirable properties for food packaging and related applications, where the controlled release of bioactive components is advantageous for enhancing the shelf life and safety of food products. These findings contribute to the growing research in biodegradable and functional food packaging materials.Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (IGA/FT/2023/007); Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci, UP, (IGA_PRF_2023_024

Acoustic and mechanical testing of commercial cocoa powders

In the present study, commercial cocoa powders with different cocoa fat contents were studied. It was found that the cocoa powders' flow patterns were of a cohesive to highly cohesive characters. It was demonstrated, that the powders of higher crystalline structure were less flowable compared to the ones with the more amorphous ones. It was observed by SEM that the studied cocoa powders of higher cocoa fat content and the ones with the dietary fibers content (sample 2) exhibited more amorphous structure. The predominantly smooth surface structure of the higher fat content cocoa powder allowed its higher dense packing, triggering the decreased sound absorption typical for non-porous materials as quantified by NRC of 0.289 (sample 1, 100 mm material height) and 0.227 (sample 3) to 0.182 (sample 2). The latter conclusions were also supported by the observed increase of the structural mechanical stiffness of the freely poured powder bed of high cocoa fat amorphous powders, as resulting in the increasing magnitude of the K-l of 12.83 MPa (sample 1, 100 mm material height) and 19.29 MPa (sample 3) to 37.82 MPa (sample 2). Melting temperatures of the samples were determined by DSC. Results were directly corresponded to the cocoa butter content. The highest enthalpy of fusion (Delta H (m)) of (23.32 +/- 0.21) J/g was obtained for the highest cocoa butter containing sample 2 (of 20-22 wt. %). Obtained values of Delta H (m) for samples 1 and 2 were of (12.38 +/- 0.20) J/g and (10.27 +/- 0.17) J/g. T-p (melt) for reversing heat flow was ranging from (30.16 +/- 0.10) degrees C to (32.28 +/- 0.10) degrees C indicating the melting of stable beta polymorph. The melting peaks observed at distinct temperatures in the non-reversing heat flow patterns were indicating melting of the unstable alpha and metastable beta' and stable beta cocoa butter polymorphic forms.Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FT/2022/005]; Palacky University Olomouc [IGA_PrF_2022_020]; Palacky University in Olomouc [IGA_ PrF_2022_020]Tomas Bata University in Zlin, TBU: IGA/FT/2022/005; Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci: IGA_PrF_2022_02